Musicianship – 9 out of 10
Having read my review of the band’s EP, released in 2003, I now understand why I like the band’s music on their new release In the Event That You’re Right! They have made a very tight, incredible-sounding album that shows the band has been honing their talents over the last year or so!

With a new, more focused lineup, the band is hitting harder than ever! Vocalist Joe Schany has never sounded better, trading on the power and emotion behind his lyrics! Now handling all the guitar work, guitarist Ryan Keely sounds awesome as well! The riff on the opening track (Redline) is killer, as is the clean guitar work on the third track, (Fallen). Everything just sounds very professional, and very tight! These two guys have stepped up to the plate, and hit back-to-back home runs on every track of this new CD!

New members Andy Ritchie (drums) and Brian Ledesma (bass) contribute in a big way as well! Their rhythm work provides a strong foundation for the band, and their flashy contributions here and there don’t’ go unnoticed, either! I am especially impressed with Ritchie’s drumming! His cymbal work is very cool, and on many songs, his playing is what stands out, and I do mean in a good way!

Easteighteen sounds incredible, and their musical skills definitely deserve to be heard!

Songwriting – 9 out of 10

Several songs were familiar to me, because I had heard them on the band’s previously-released EP. There were also new editions that I really liked! The new material has a harder edge to it; the songs rock a bit harder, and are more aggressive in the way that they are presented. The band doesn’t lose any of their appeal, even though their material is much harder, and for that, I’m very appreciative! Good songs that Rock hard are the band’s new new hallmark - I, for one, love their stuff, and I’m sure there will be many, many more that will love the songs, as well!

Sound Quality/Professionalism – 10 out of 10

‘Phenomenal’ is the word that comes to mind when I think of the sound quality of the new album! Produced by Tom Tatman, the album takes on new life, and shows that the band has found a very solid partner to work with! He has given them a solid path on which to travel, and a foundation to build upon in the future, especially when it comes to the way they present themselves in concert! The attention to detail in the studio will make them a better-sounding band, and that can’t help but affect the way they sound live! Great job, guys, and congratulations on an awesome sounding record!

Packaging – 8.5 out of 10

There isn’t anything jaw-dropping about the cover art or CD label, but overall, the packaging looks really good! There is a particularly creepy picture on the CD tray of the jewel case that I really liked, and that I think you should check out! No lyrics were included in the liner notes, though, so that was a bummer. Other than that, the packaging concept does a good job of marketing the band’s music!

Favorite Tracks
Redline

Anathema

Fallen

The Other Side of Right
Solitary

Overall Rating – 9 out of 10

CDs were made for listening, and when you pop a disc in the player, and love it from start to finish, it’s truly a magical moment! In the Event That You’re Right is a solid disc that held my interest, and even had me singing along at moments when I could remember the words! Though not perfect, it is a solid disc that I will listen to again in the future! Good Rock and Roll without a ton of baggage and/or cliché is hard to find these days, but I think easteighteen has managed to make just such a record!

I would definitely recommend that you find yourself a copy of the new CD! The band is going to be touring and playing a ton this fall, hoping to convince you that you can’t live without hearing the new disc! And, based on the reaction that I had to their music, I think they just may be right!

Iowa is the breeding ground for a strong new Rock sound, and easteighteen is out to sow the seed nationwide! Keep your eyes open, because I think you’ll be hearing a lot from this band in the very near future!


—Mark Lush, Midwestbands.com, 9/10/05